Phytochemical Antioxidant Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Shelf-Life, Antioxidant Activity, and Phytochemical Contents of Australian-Grown and Imported Dragon Fruit under Ambient Conditions

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), renowned for its aesthetic appeal and rich antioxidant content, has gained global popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In Australia, despite growing commercial interest in cultivating dragon fruit, there is uncertainty for local growers stemming from competition with imported varieties. Notably, there is a lack of comparative research on the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical contents of Australian-grown versus imported dragon fruit, which is crucial for enhancing market competitiveness and consumer perception. This study compares the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical content of Australian-grown and imported dragon fruits under ambient conditions, addressing the competitive challenges faced by local growers. Freshly harvested white-flesh (Hylocereus undatus) and red-flesh (H. polyrhizus) dragon fruit were sourced from Queensland and the Northern Territory and imported fruit were sourced from an importer in Queensland. All fruit were assessed for key quality parameters including peel color, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total betalain content (TBC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The results indicate that Australian-grown white dragon fruits exhibited average one day longer shelf-life with less color degradation, better firmness retention, and less decline in weight loss, TSS, and acidity compared to imported fruits. Australian-grown red dragon fruits showed similar shelf-life compared to fruits from overseas. Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals were consistently higher in Australian-grown fruits throughout their shelf-life. These findings indicate that Australian-grown dragon fruits offer better physical quality and retain more nutritional value, which could enhance their marketability.

Composition and micromorphological determination of blue honeysuckle fruit (Lonicera caerulea L.) cuticular wax and its effects on fruit post-harvest quality

The chemical composition and structure of the cuticular wax in blue honeysuckle fruit were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the cuticular wax was dense and uniform, taking on a tubular form. A total of 158 wax components were identified, including alkanes, terpenes, ketones, alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. The wax was found to be particularly rich in alkanes. After storage, the wax content decreased, whereas an increase in 1-undecanol. The destruction or reduction of cuticular wax resulted in a more rapid decline in storage quality, loss of nutrients, and a decrease in antioxidant phytochemicals. Meanwhile, wax metabolizing enzyme activity and gene expression increased. This study presents a deeper understanding of blue honeysuckle fruit cuticular wax composition and aids to developing effective measures to delay its postharvest fruit quality deterioration.

The food-borne carcinogenic 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) disrupts circadian rhythms and ameliorated by pterostilbene (PSB) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The food-borne 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a potential human carcinogen abundant in cooked meat. While circadian rhythms are crucial biological oscillations, the negative impact of PhIP on circadian systems and the potential of mitigation remain underexplored. We investigated the effects of PhIP on circadian rhythms and the mitigating effects of the phytochemical antioxidant pterostilbene (PSB) in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that exposure to 10μM PhIP disrupts the 24-h circadian rhythms of C. elegans, an effect mitigated by co-exposure to 100μM PSB. In addition, PhIP-induced circadian disruption can be linked to defective oxidative stress resistance, which is associated with the DAF-16/FOXO pathway and is modulated by PSB. Molecular docking suggested that PhIP and PSB bind similarly to DAF-16. Moreover, 10μM PhIP abolished the rhythmic expression of the core clock gene prdx-2, which is restored by 100μM PSB. Findings from this study provide novel insight of how food-borne contaminant like PhIP may contribute to the disruption of circadian rhythms and suggest potential for PSB to mitigate these effects in higher organisms.

Overview of traditional chinese medicine for hashimoto's thyroiditis: focus on selenium and antioxidant phytochemicals

Overview of traditional chinese medicine for hashimoto's thyroiditis: focus on selenium and antioxidant phytochemicals

Antioxidant properties, antidiabetic activity, and GC-MS phytochemical analysis of wheat-based bread fortified with celosia argentea seed flour

Pseudocereals like Celosia argentea seed have been indicated to have numerous therapeutic and prophylactic potentials that are yet to be incorporated into food materials. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties, antidiabetic potential, and phytochemicals of wheat-based bread fortified with Celosia argentea seed flour. Bread samples were produced using standard methods, fortifying refined and whole wheat with 5 and 10% Celosia argentea seed flour. The antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibition of bread samples were determined using standard methods. The phytochemicals present in the methanolic extracts of bread samples were identified with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Statistical significance was tested at α0.05. The result of the antioxidant properties for bread samples were Total flavonoid content (0.61-0.85 mg/g), Total Phenolic Content (1.1-1.31 mgGAE/g), total antioxidant capacity (1.19-3.34 mgGAE/g), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.13-0.54 mg/g) and DPPH (42.58-49.75%). The IC50 values obtained for Celosia argentea seed substituted wheat bread ranged between 58.20 and 171.05 μg/mL. The antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibition showed a significant (p<0.05) increase as the percentage of inclusion of Celosiae argentea seed increased. Bioactive compounds detected in bread samples produced by the fortification of wheat flour (whole and refined) with Celosia argentea seed flour include 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester; Docosanoic acid, methyl ester; E,E,Z-1,3,12-Nonadecatriene-5,14-diol; Linoleic acid ethyl ester; and Squalene. The predominant health benefits of phytochemicals detected in bread samples fortified with C. argentea seed were anti-inflammatory potentials, antioxidant protection, and reduction of lipid peroxidation. Including Celosia argentea seed impacted the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of bread samples.

Detection of Fatty Acids and Some Secondary Metabolites in Macadamia and Hazelnut Fruits and their Shells, with Studding the Physiochemical Properties of its Extracted Oil: A comparative Study

General Background: Nuts are widely recognized for their nutrient density, offering a rich source of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidant phytochemicals. Specific Background: Among these, macadamia and hazelnuts are popular for their unique compositions, yet direct comparisons of their nutritional and bioactive profiles remain limited. Knowledge Gap: Despite their recognized health benefits, comparative analyses of the fatty acid profiles, bioactive compositions, and physicochemical characteristics between these nuts are scarce. Aims: The study compared macadamia and hazelnut oils' fatty acid content, lipid-soluble vitamins, phenolic compounds, and physicochemical properties to enhance their functional applications. Results: The findings revealed that hazelnut oil exhibited a higher polyunsaturated fat content, particularly linoleic acid (22.8% vs. 18.25%), while macadamia oil contained significantly more vitamin E, contributing to superior antioxidant potential. Both oils demonstrated the presence of vitamins A, D, and K1, with notable concentrations of quercetin and rutin among other flavonoids. Novelty: This study is novel in its comprehensive comparative analysis of these two nuts, particularly in identifying the unique phenolic compounds in the nutshells, which are often discarded but show potential as nutraceuticals. Implications: Macadamia and hazelnut oils offer significant nutritional benefits, with compositional variations allowing for personalized bioactivity and culinary applications. Further research is recommended for human health promotion. Highlights: Hazelnut oil has more polyunsaturated fats; macadamia oil is richer in vitamin E. Both nuts contain vitamins A, D, E, K1, and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds in nutshells have potential as nutraceuticals. Keywords: macadamia nuts, hazelnut oil, fatty acids, antioxidant phytochemicals, bioactive compounds

Antioxidant Capacity, Toxicity, Phytochemicals, Total Alkaloids and Phenolic Levels Bamboo Shoot Extract ( Bambusa vulgaris )

The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidants can cause various diseases, so exogenous antioxidants from plants such as bamboo shoots (Bambusa vulgaris) are needed. This study explored the antioxidant capacity, toxicity, and phytochemical content of bamboo shoot extracts. Using an in vitro experimental design, we analyzed bamboo shoot extracts for phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity using the DPPH method, and toxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT). The research was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021 at the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Tarumanagara University. Data were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism V.8 software with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Phytochemical test results showed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, betasianins, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, quinones, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. The bamboo shoot extract showed antioxidant capacity with IC50 value of 673.54 µg/mL, total phenolic content of 2923.65 µg/mL, and total alkaloid content of 7.34 µg/mL. The toxicity test showed an LC50 value of 362.16 µg/mL. The bamboo shoot extract showed potential as an antioxidant and anti-mitotic agent, although its antioxidant capacity was lower than that of ascorbic acid. The presence of various secondary metabolites contributes to its bioactive properties. Further research is needed to explore its potential applications in preventing diseases caused by free radicals. Bamboo shoot extract contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals, which exhibit antioxidant and toxic properties, making it a potential natural source for antioxidant agents.

High-Altitude Medicinal Plants as Promising Source of Phytochemical Antioxidants to Combat Lifestyle-Associated Oxidative Stress-Induced Disorders.

Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur species (ROS, RNS, RSS), poses a significant threat to cellular integrity and human health. Generated during mitochondrial respiration, inflammation, UV exposure and pollution, these species damage cells and contribute to pathologies like cardiovascular issues, neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic syndromes. Lifestyle factors exert a substantial influence on oxidative stress levels, with mitochondria emerging as pivotal players in ROS generation and cellular equilibrium. Phytochemicals, abundant in plants, such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and polyphenols, offer diverse antioxidant mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals, chelate metal ions, and modulate cellular signalling pathways to mitigate oxidative damage. Furthermore, plants thriving in high-altitude regions are adapted to extreme conditions, and synthesize secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and phenolic compounds in bulk quantities, which act to form a robust antioxidant defence against oxidative stress, including UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. These plants are promising sources for drug development, offering innovative strategies by which to manage oxidative stress-related ailments and enhance human health. Understanding and harnessing the antioxidant potential of phytochemicals from high-altitude plants represent crucial steps in combating oxidative stress-induced disorders and promoting overall wellbeing. This study offers a comprehensive summary of the production and physio-pathological aspects of lifestyle-induced oxidative stress disorders and explores the potential of phytochemicals as promising antioxidants. Additionally, it presents an appraisal of high-altitude medicinal plants as significant sources of antioxidants, highlighting their potential for drug development and the creation of innovative antioxidant therapeutic approaches.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Focus on Selenium and Antioxidant Phytochemicals.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is not only the most frequent autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), but it also has a significant impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and it has been variably associated with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Even though its pathogenesis is still incompletely understood, oxidative stress is believed to play an important role. Hypothyroidism related to later stages of HT can be treated with levothyroxine substitution therapy; various approaches such as selenium supplementation and iodine-restricted diets have been proposed as disease-modifying treatments for earlier stages, and even thyroidectomy has been suggested for refractory cases of painful HT. Nevertheless, many patients still report suboptimal HRQoL, highlighting an unmet medical need in this area. The concepts and approaches of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating HT are not broadly known in the West. Here, we provide an overview of TCM for HT, including combinations of TCM with selenium. We encompass evidence from clinical trials and other studies related to complex TCM prescriptions, single herbs used in TCM, and phytochemicals; wherever possible, we delineate the probable underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings show that the main active components of TCM for HT have commonly known or presumed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may account for their potential utility in HT. Further exploring the practices of TCM for HT and combining them with evidence- and mechanism-based approaches according to Western standards may help to identify new strategies to alter the clinical course of the disease and/or to treat patients' symptoms better and improve their HRQoL.

Adsorption and desorption process for high recovery and purification of anthocyanins from (Clitoria ternatea L) using macroporous resins

The intense coloration of the petals of the butterfly bean flowers (Clitoria Ternatea L.) is attributed to high content of anthocyanins, which are considered as an antioxidant phytochemicals that have many health benefits. In this context, it is so important to implement a new method for the separation and purification of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the adsorption and desorption behavior of anthocyanins extracted from the petals of the butterfly bean flowers, using six different macroporous adsorption resins (XAD 2, XAD 4, XAD 7HP, DAX 8. XAD 1180 N and XAD 16), and to identify the best type of resin for anthocyains recovery from butterfly bean flowers extract. The XAD7HP and DAX8 resins showed high adsorption capacity, (248.55 ± 8.8 mg/g) and (228.84 ± 16.9 mg/g) at pH 5, and the highest recovery values for anthocyanins; (75.66 ± 1.1%) and (52.64 ± 1.2%), respectively. The Langmuir model described better the adsorption isotherm process on DAX 8, in turn, the experimental data of equilibrium were better fitted by Freundlich model for isotherm adsorption of anthocyanin on XAD7HP resin. The pseudo-second order model was the best to fit the experimental data of the adsorption kinetics at the different temperatures used. Both resins XAD 7HP and DAX 8 presented high recovery of anthocyanin, comparing with conventional extracted methods the purified anthocyanin using XAD 7HP and DAX 8 can be used as biological compounds with more purity for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Antioxidant Capacity, Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Chemical Pollutants in Worker Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Broods from Northern Thailand: A Safe and Sustainable Food Source.

Honey bee brood (HBB) (Apis mellifera L.), a traditional protein source, has been studied for its nutritional value, but bio-functional properties and safety concerns have not been verified. This study examined the Antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, minerals, and chemical pollutants in worker broods from several apiaries in Northern Thailand. HBB samples were lyophilized to evaluate antioxidant capacity using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, tests with water, and 70% ethanol extracts. Phytochemicals were identified using LC-QTOF-MS; pollutants were analyzed chromatographically, and minerals were determined using ICP-OES. The results showed that the evaluated antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extracts included DPPH 2.04-3.37 mg/mL, ABTS 21.22-33.91 mg/mL, and FRAP 50.07-104.15 mg AAE/100 g dry weight. Water extracts had outstanding antioxidant activities except for ABTS, with DPPH 10.67-84.97 mg/mL, ABTS 9.25-13.54 mg/mL, and FRAP 57.66-177.32 mgAAE/100 g dry weight. Total phenolics and flavonoids in ethanol extracts ranged from 488.95-508.87 GAE/100 g to 4.7-12.98 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Thirteen phytochemicals were detected and contained adequate mineral contents in the HBBs from different locations found, which were K, Ca, Mg, and Na, and no heavy metals or pollutants exceeded safe levels. These results imply that HBB from different apiaries in Northern Thailand is a nutritious food source with considerable antioxidants and a safe and sustainable food source.

Determination of Biological Activity of Some Macro/Micro Algae

Algae are primary producers in the aquatic environment and from an important part of the food chain. Algae have secondary metabolites with high biological activity, which are especially important in the creation of novel pharmaceutical agents. Main purpose of the research was to ascertain antioxidant, anti-alzheimer, anti-diabetic and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of ethanol, hexane and water extracts of some macro/micro algae. Maceration was used as the sample prepatation method. Antioxidant activity of algea for different radical and compound was assessed. Anti-Alzheimer activity of the obtained calluses were determined using Ellman method which is a spectrophotometric method. Anti-diabetic activities were determined using the α-glucosidase inhibition method. It was discovered that the water extract contained more antioxidant phytochemicals, including phenolic (587.54±2.12 mg PEs/g DW) and flavonoids (618.39±2.47 mg QEs/g DW). This study confirmed that the water extract contained high levels of biological acitivty. This extract may be utilized as a possible source of beneficial nutrients or antioxidants.

Antioxidative enzymes, phytochemicals and proximate components in jujube fruit (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) with respect to genotypes and harvest maturity

Jujube is an underutilized fruit having high maturity variation at harvest. Investigations were made on eight different cultivars of jujube (Umran, Karela, Gurrh, Amrodia, Mehmood Wali, Aakash, Foladi and Khubani) for changes in antioxidative enzymatic activities, phytochemical functions and proximate composition with respect to different harvest maturity stages (M1: mature green, M2: yellow and M3: crispy brown) under postharvest ambient conditions (25 ± 2 °C; 60 %–65 % RH) at three shelf intervals (1, 3 and 5 d). Significant genotypic and maturity related variation was recorded regarding studied attributes. The fruit of cv. ʽKhubaniʼ had better attributes among the cultivars evaluated. The crispy brown jujube fruit had higher peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and more protein, total soluble solids (TSS), ash, crude fat and fiber than early mature stages. Over time, the ascorbic acid (vitamin C), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), crude protein, crude fiber, moisture, crude fat and activity of antioxidative enzymes [CAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] exhibited a significant decline; while increase was recorded in TSS, pH and POD activity. Overall, this work identified that jujube's antioxidative, biochemical and proximate properties are significantly influenced by cultivar, fruit harvest maturity and duration of postharvest handling under ambient shelf.

PRELIMINARY PHYSICO CHEMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF VASA ARKA (LEAF OF ADATHODA VASICA NEES) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DOSAGE FORM FOR NEBULISATION

In the present scenario where the number of people being affected with respiratory ailments is at high, a proper management technique with best effect and least side effects has become a necessity. A nebulizing agent is far more potent than an oral medicine due to its increased absorption as well as its assimilation rate. Vasa (Adathoda vasica Nees) is one of the best medicines used for respiratory illness in the science of Ayurveda. According to literature review it possesses swasa kasahara action. Researches have been conducted on this herbal medicine over respiratory ailments and showed positive results. But no information is obtained on the nebulization effect of Vasa. The present study aims to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of Vasa arka & Vasa swarasa and to analyse the chromatography profile of Vasa arka and Vasa swarasa. Through this research, an attempt is done to expand the potential possibilities of Vasa as a nebulizing agent. The Pharmaceutical study includes collection of genuine Vasa leaves followed by its pre- processing and finally conversion to the Vasa swarasa and Vasa arka. Physico-chemical analysis was carried out as per parameters mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.8. Preliminary phytochemical investigations were carried out by following standard procedure.However In the present study, the preliminary phytochemical analysis of the swarasa and arka of vasa revealed the presence of important antioxidant phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds. The study revealed that vasa is inherently having bronchodilatory action. Preparing arka of the same retained the volatile oil and active principles that were responsible for the bronchodilating action. The present study concluded that vasa arka are effective in the management of respiratory illness in the form of nebulizing agents.

Effect of MnO2 Nanoparticles Stabilized with Cocamidopropyl Betaine on Germination and Development of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings.

This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the effect of cocamidopropyl betaine-stabilized MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the germination and development of pea seedlings. The synthesized NPs manifested as aggregates ranging from 50-600 nm, comprising spherical particles sized between 19 to 50 nm. These particles exhibited partial crystallization, indicated by peaks at 2θ = 25.37, 37.62, 41.18, 49.41, 61.45, and 65.79°, characteristic of MnO2 with a tetragonal crystal lattice with a I4/m spatial group. Quantum chemical modelling showed that the stabilization process of MnO2 NPs with cocamidopropyl betaine is energetically advantageous (∆E > 1299.000 kcal/mol) and chemically stable, as confirmed by the positive chemical hardness values (0.023 ≤ η ≤ 0.053 eV). It was revealed that the interaction between the MnO2 molecule and cocamidopropyl betaine, facilitated by a secondary amino group (NH), is the most probable scenario. This ascertain is supported by the values of the difference in total energy (∆E = 1299.519 kcal/mol) and chemical hardness (η = 0.053 eV). These findings were further confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The effect of MnO2 NPs at various concentrations on the germination of pea seeds was found to be nonlinear and ambiguous. The investigation revealed that MnO2 NPs at a concentration of 0.1 mg/L resulted in the highest germination energy (91.25%), germinability (95.60%), and lengths of roots and seedlings among all experimental samples. However, an increase in the concentration of preparation led to a slight growth suppression (1-10 mg/L) and the pronounced inhibition of seedling and root development (100 mg/L). The analysis of antioxidant indicators and phytochemicals in pea seedlings indicated that only 100 mg/L MnO2 NPs have a negative effect on the content of soluble sugars, chlorophyll a/b, carotenoids, and phenols. Conversely, lower concentrations showed a stimulating effect on photosynthesis indicators. Nevertheless, MnO2 NPs at all concentrations generally decreased the antioxidant potential of pea seedlings, except for the ABTS parameter. Pea seedlings showed a notable capacity to absorb Mn, reaching levels of 586.5 μg/L at 10 mg/L and 892.6 μg/L at 100 mg/L MnO2 NPs, surpassing the toxic level for peas according to scientific literature. However, the most important result was the observed growth-stimulating activity at 0.1 mg/L MnO2 NPs stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine, suggesting a promising avenue for further research.

Ameliorative effect of aqueous avocado seed extract against chromium-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage in rabbit kidney.

The accumulation of chromium in renal tissues promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, genomic and cellular harm, and ultimately necrotic and apoptotic cell death induced by free radicals. Hence, the utilization of antioxidant phytochemicals becomes crucial for cellular defense against oxidative damage. This study endeavors to explore the potential protective effects of an aqueous avocado seed extract (ASE) on rabbit kidneys exposed to chromium-induced damage. Fifteen adult rabbits were distributed into three groups: Group 1 was kept as the control. The second and third groups received a daily dose of K2Cr2O7 (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. While the third group was given an oral dose of ASE (400 mg/kg). In rabbits administered with Cr (VI), kidney homogenates showed a marked increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) (69.3 ± 4.1 nmol/g) along with a decrease in glutathione (59 ± 5.8 nmol/mg) content and the activity superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.5 ± 0.05 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (16.7 ± 1.1 μmol/mg protein), and catalase (CAT) (73.8 ± 3.9 U/g protein) compared to the levels in control group. Also, the gene expression data for the enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT dropped dramatically in kidney tissue following Cr (VI) injection. Additionally, Bowman's capsule and glomerulus showed degenerative alterations in the kidney's histopathology and immunohistochemistry. ASE treatment when administered along with Cr (VI) enhanced the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and improved histopathological conditions. The findings of this study unequivocally show that avocado seed extract, which is rich in phenolic derivatives, is a potent nephroprotective agent that inhibits nephrotoxicity induced by Cr (VI) in rabbits.

Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Inonotus obliquus Ameliorates Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Downregulating TNF-α and Interleukin-6

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder with multifactorial etiology and complex pathogenesis. These intrinsic physiological changes cause anovulation, infertility, and miscarriage in women and exacerbate their chances of becoming hyperlipidemic and diabetic. Inonotus obliquus has been used traditionally for infertility problems. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of aqueous ethanolic extract of Inonotus obliquus (AEIO) in female rats with letrozole-induced PCOS, along with the determination of its possible mechanism. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, p-coumaric, benzoic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, and kaempferol. Thirty female albino rats were acquired and divided into two groups (5 + 25) to induce PCOS. Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used to induce the disease for 7 weeks (25 rats) except for the normal control (5 rats). The disease was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology, weight gain, and endocrinopathy. After disease induction, rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group; disease control, metformin 20 mg/kg, AEIO 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg). After completion of the study, the animals were euthanized under the influence of anesthesia (chloroform). Ovaries were removed for histopathology, the liver was evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers, and blood samples were collected for biochemical evaluation. Ovarian histopathology showed an abnormal architecture with cystic follicles and abnormal granulosa cells. Interestingly, treatment with AEIO restored normal ovarian histology with primary, growing, and developing follicles. After conducting a hormonal analysis, it was found that the induction of PCOS led to a significant increase (p < 0.001) in luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, and testosterone levels, while the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased. However, treatment with AEIO at doses of 100–500 mg/kg restored these levels to normal. PCOS induction also resulted in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by significantly decreasing antioxidant enzymatic markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH) and increasing levels of lipid peroxidation enzymatic markers (MDA). AEIO restored the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). In conclusion, antioxidant phytochemicals (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, p-coumaric, benzoic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, and kaempferol) rich extract alleviated PCOS symptomatology through modulating oxidative stress markers and eliminating ovarian low-grade inflammation by downregulating the expression of NF-κB associated TNF-α and IL-6.

PHYTOCHEMICALS SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACTS

Objective: The objective of the present study aimed at investigating the phytochemical antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of Carica papaya leaf extracts. Methods: As phytochemicals are biologically active compounds and a powerful group of plant chemicals believed to stimulate the immune system along with antioxidants, the molecules which hinder oxidation of other molecules by the process of inhibiting or by generating the oxidizing chain reactions and preventing diseases. The anti-microbial activity on various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were determined using zone of inhibition and antioxidant by the 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Results: Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves of C. papaya. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves extracts leaves showed inhibition of per oxidation. The result showed that the ethanolic extract of C. papaya possessed a significant antioxidant activity as compared to methanol and aqueous extract. The antibacterial study showed leaves extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria. Conclusion: This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol was found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases.

Patent Mining on the Use of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Technological Development for the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant phytochemicals in the technological developments that are working to prevent and treat periodontal disease. To access the documents, the descriptors "PERIODONTAL" and "ANTIOXIDANT" were typed in the title, abstract, and claim search fields. A total of 322 patents demonstrate the growing interest in researching natural antioxidants for scientific and technological purposes. The top ten countries regarding the number of family patents produced were the United States, the European Office, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain. The most cited compounds were vitamin C, green tea, quercetin, melatonin, lycopene, resveratrol, and curcumin. These compounds have been used for the technological development of gels, membranes, dentifrices, chewing gum, orally disintegrating film, mouthwash, mouth spray, and mouth massage cream and exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The patent documents have shown that using antioxidant compounds in conjunction with traditional periodontal treatments is a promising area of interest in periodontal therapy.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of Guizotia abyssinica L. leaf and flower extracts

Sustainable agricultural systems demand less or no use of synthetic chemicals, which have various adverse effects on the environment and human health. In this context, studies on phytochemicals with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties hold great promise to suppress plant diseases and, thereby, reducing the application of synthetic chemical pesticides. Such an alternative approach requires screening and identification of bioactive compounds from various plant species. In the present study, Guizotia abyssinica L., an oilseed crop plant that usually requires less water with no pesticide inputs to grow, was screened for its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial phytochemicals. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers of G. abyssinica were tested for their polyphenol content (total phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant potential. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of both methanolic and aqueous extracts were higher in comparison to many previously reported plant extracts. Furthermore, leaf extracts of G. abyssinica have shown slightly higher antioxidant activity than flower extracts. In vitro antimicrobial studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers against phytopathogens like Xanthomonas oryzae RR24, Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. The chemical nature and composition of these crude extracts were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately, 28 bioactive compounds detected in GC-MS were predicted to have antimicrobial activity. Based on our results, we conclude that the extracts derived from G. abyssinica have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of phytopathogens, thus exhibiting immense potential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.